7 Reasons To Use Flaxseed Oil In Hair Care
Flaxseed Oil Benefits for Hair
When finding natural solutions for hair care, flaxseed oil is the latest ingredient that everyone can’t seem to stop talking about.
Flaxseed oil is a versatile product that aids skin, health, and hair to reach its full potential. Unlike essential oils, flaxseed oil can be directly applied to the scalp and hair follicles. People use it with other carrier oils like jojoba oil, coconut, or sweet almond.
From reducing itchy scalp to adding a natural shine, there are countless benefits of using flaxseed oil in your hair care regime.
In this article, we’ll discover all that natural flaxseed oil can do to help you achieve the hair of your dreams.
1. Flaxseed Oil Controls Hair Dryness and Prevents Split Ends
The potent ALA content in flaxseed oil creates a protective layer on hair strands and prevents moisture loss. This shield of natural fats ensures hair looks moisturized and grows in a particular direction preventing split ends. It makes hair look shiny and is so soft that you would just want to keep touching them.
2. Flaxseed Oil Might Help Reduce Scalp Irritation
Dryness, dandruff, or germ buildup are some of the common reasons for itchy scalp. While it's mostly harmless, continuous itching on the scalp can be off-putting. Flaxseed oil contains a varied amino acid profile that not only tackles dry scalp but also reduces minor irritations.
3. Antioxidant Powerhouse
Flaxseed oil is loaded with Vitamin E which is a much-studied component for fighting oxidative stress, also known as antioxidants. This helps reverse the damage caused due to everyday stressors and excessive UV exposure.
4. Flaxseed Oil Might Prevent Premature Greying Of Hair
Premature greying of hair could be a sign of some underlying condition (or just excess wisdom). Either way, massaging the scalp and hair with herbal oil formulated with flaxseed could help prevent this and provide hair with essential fatty acids.
5. Reduces Inflammation
A study(1) published in Biomedcentral journal delved into how flaxseed oil exhibits potent anti-inflammatory properties. While the study mostly explored its benefits for oral consumption, it would be safe to conclude that massaging the scalp with flaxseed oil helps reduce redness and sensitivity.
6. Flaxseed Oil Prevents Hair Loss
Treating hair with flaxseed oil can promote hair growth and reduce breakage. A study(2) published in the International Journal of Research In Pharmacy and Chemistry found that compounds found in flaxseed oil form an excellent base for treating hair follicles and preventing hair loss.
7. Improves Hair Texture
A research study(3) conducted in 2013 observed that topical application of flaxseed oil can also increase hair width. The same study also observed similar results from ingesting flaxseed oil however, interestingly, using the oil topically gave much more promising results than consuming it orally.
Researchers are now also exploring flaxseed oil’s role in preventing various conditions related to baldness, however concrete evidence is yet to be established.
How To Use Flaxseed Oil For Hair Growth
Mixing flaxseed oil (linseed oil) with certain essential oils can improve hair growth and prevent breakage.
Natural extracts like rosemary essential oil have been time and again proven to support hair growth. A research study(4) explored rosemary oil and cedarwood essential oil to be suitable natural alternatives to hair growth compounds.
Add 1-2 drops of these essential oils to 1 tablespoon of flaxseed oil to make an instant hair growth blend. Apply this on the scalp and hair follicles and wash after 1 hour. Flaxseed oil in combination with potent essential oils improves blood circulation and removes bacteria buildup.
Using this blend twice every week could potentially make your hair grow faster and add a natural shine.
Alternative Ways:
- DIY Hair Mask
- Make hair serums by sourcing wholesale essential oils and bottles
- Add to conditioners
- Anti-frizz spray
DIY Simple Flaxseed Oil Hair Mask Recipe
What you need:
- Full-fat yogurt - 1 cup
- Flaxseed oil - 1 tbsp
- Banana - 1 ripe and mashed
- Honey - 1 tsp
- Fenugreek powder - 1 tsp (optional)
Instructions:
- Miix yogurt, flaxseed oil, honey, and fenugreek powder in a bowl.
- Mash the banana completely and add to the yogurt.
- Make sure the consistency of the paste is smooth.
- Apply a generous amount of this hair mask to hair strands and make a bun. Don’t forget to apply it on the scalp.
- Tie your hair up and let it rest for at least 45 mins.
- Wash with shampoo and conditioner.
Possible Flaxseed Oil In Hair Side Effects
Ayurveda believes flaxseeds to have a heating effect on us, hence it should be used carefully, especially in summer.
Some people could have sensitivity or allergic reactions to flaxseed hence if you haven’t used it before, start with a patch test.
Pregnant women should check with their healthcare provider before using it extensively. Moderation is the key, hence keep switching it up every second month with another carrier oil like coconut oil, jojoba oil, or almond oil.
Can I Leave Flaxseed Oil Overnight In Hair?
It is generally alright to leave flaxseed oil overnight in your hair if you use a towel under your head. Flaxseed oil has a greasy texture and can leave a stain on your sheets or pillowcases. People with oily and acne-prone skin should avoid leaving it overnight in their hair as it can make your face greasier upon waking up.
